Archive for the ‘Human Immortality’ Category
No, Ray Kurzweil Is Not Right (Again), and You Wont Meet His Immortal Soul in the Cloud – Word on Fire
Home Articles No, Ray Kurzweil Is Not Right (Again), and You Wont Meet His Immortal Soul in the Cloud
Ray Kurzweil, a prominent futurist, envisions a future where humans transcend biological limitations, merge with machines, and achieve digital immortality. In a recent Wired article, he reiterated his belief in the imminent arrival of the singularitya point where artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence and enables unprecedented technological and existential transformations. Kurzweil foresees a time when humans will merge with AI, leading to enhanced cognitive abilities and even the possibility of uploading ones consciousness to the cloud, thus achieving a form of digital immortality. While Kurzweils optimism captivates many, it also raises important questions, particularly from a Catholic perspective. What I want to do in this article is provide pushback to Kurzweils understanding of mind and consciousness using Bernard Lonergans theory of intentional consciousness and Robert Dorans concept of psychic conversion, arguing that Kurzweils vision is fundamentally flawed.
The Catholic tradition holds that human consciousness is not merely a product of biological processes or computational simulations but involves a spiritual dimension that cannot be replicated or transferred to machines. Catholic teaching emphasizes the unity of body and soul (hylomorphism), reflecting the belief that human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, the imago Dei. This unity implies that the body and soul are not separate entities but rather interdependent, forming a single, integral human person. The soul is the spiritual principle that animates the body, providing it with life and identity. Consequently, the soul cannot be reduced to a mere set of computational processes or data points.
Catholic doctrine upholds the inherent dignity of the human person, which is grounded in this body-soul unity and the divine image. Every human being possesses an inviolable worth and a unique purpose bestowed by God. This dignity is not contingent upon ones abilities, achievements, or technological enhancements but is inherent from the moment of conception until natural death. Such a view contrasts sharply with Kurzweils vision, which seems to reduce human identity to the brains functionalities and capabilities, potentially neglecting each persons intrinsic value irrespective of their cognitive enhancements or digital representations.
Lonergans theory of intentional consciousness offers a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of the human mind.
The divine purpose of human existence, as taught by the Catholic Church, encompasses more than the mere extension of life or the enhancement of cognitive faculties. It involves a call to communion with God and others, a journey toward moral and spiritual growth, and the ultimate fulfillment in the beatific visionseeing God face to face in eternal life. This transcendent destiny cannot be fulfilled through technological means alone. It requires a relationship with God, nurtured through faith, prayer, and the sacraments, which technology cannot substitute.
For this reason, Kurzweils thesis is predicated on an erroneous conception of consciousness. If we accept his conception, then his conclusions as to the future of human consciousness are at least potentially plausible. However, Lonergans theory of intentional consciousness offers a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of the human mind.
Lonergans theory outlines four levels of consciousness: experiencing, understanding, judging, and deciding. These levels are not merely sequential steps but are integrated and cumulative, with each level sublating the previous ones. Intentional consciousness is characterized by the dynamic and self-transcendent pursuit of knowledge and meaning.
According to Lonergan, intentional consciousness is driven by an unrestricted desire to know, which leads to self-transcendencea movement toward truth, goodness, and, ultimately, God. This holistic approach emphasizes that human consciousness is not confined to computational processes but is indissolubly interwoven with spiritual and moral dimensions that guide our pursuit, our pure desire for knowledge and meaning.
God on Stage: 15 Plays That Ask the Big Questions
By contrast, Kurzweils reductionist view fails to account for these complexities. His focus on the technological enhancement of cognitive functions overlooks the integral unity of human consciousness that Lonergan describes. This unity involves not just data processing but an irreducible engagement with reality through experience, understanding, judgment, and decision-making, all oriented toward transcendent values. It is for this reason that Kurzweils vision of the singularity and digital immortality, while technologically intriguing, lacks the depth of insight provided by Lonergans framework. It is this richer, more integrated understanding of consciousness that reveals the limitations of Kurzweils thesis and underscores the importance of recognizing the spiritual and moral dimensions of human existence.
Robert Doran, a student and propagator of Lonergans thought, expands on this framework with his concept of psychic conversion. Psychic conversion involves the integration of the psyche with intentional consciousness, aligning emotional and symbolic functions with the rational and moral dimensions of the self. It entails a healing and creative process where the psyche is oriented toward the divine and moral good.
Doran explains that psychic conversion is essential for a holistic understanding of human consciousness. This concept involves a transformative process where the various dimensions of the psyche are integrated harmoniously with the intellect and will, leading to a well-balanced and fully functioning human person. This type of conversion draws on depth psychology to elucidate how psychic conversion works. It involves the reconciliation of unconscious elements with conscious awareness, facilitating the integration of repressed emotions, memories, and desires into a cohesive and conscious self. This process allows individuals to confront and transcend internal conflicts and traumas that impede their psychological and spiritual growth.
In practical terms, psychic conversion manifests as a journey toward greater self-awareness and emotional maturity. It helps individuals to recognize and overcome the subconscious patterns and defenses that shape their behavior and interactions. This healing process enables a person to engage more authentically with their experiences, fostering genuine self-appropriation where ones actions and decisions align more closely with their true values and beliefs. For this reason, psychic conversion promotes a state of inner harmony that supports the intellect and will in their proper functions. The intellect, which seeks understanding and truth, and the will, which directs actions toward the good, are often compromised by unresolved psychological issues. By addressing these issues, psychic conversion ensures that the intellect and will can operate more freely and effectively, guided by a clear and undistorted perception of reality.
This holistic integration is crucial for authenticity in ones existential and moral life. Authenticity, in this context, refers to living in accordance with ones true self and values, free from the distortions of unresolved psychological conflicts. It involves a commitment to truth, goodness, and personal integrity, and it is discernible by a consistency between ones inner life and outer actions. In the context of Lonergans broader framework, psychic conversion enriches the process of intentional consciousness by ensuring that the foundational level of experience is not marred by psychological distortions. This, in turn, allows for a clearer and more accurate understanding, judgment, and decision-making. It aligns the entire structure of consciousness toward self-transcendence, enabling individuals to pursue their ultimate purpose and fulfillment in accordance with divine will.
It is essential to uphold human dignity and spiritual essence, recognizing that no artificial intelligence can replicate the mystery of the human soul.
Kurzweils vision of the singularity assumes that consciousness can be replicated and even improved through technological means. This perspective is grounded in a reductionist view that equates consciousness with computational processes. However, from Lonergan and Dorans standpoint, this view is fundamentally flawed for several reasons:
Kurzweils approach reduces consciousness to mere data processing, ignoring the spiritual and moral dimensions that are integral to human identity and existence. Lonergans theory emphasizes that true consciousness involves self-transcendence and the pursuit of higher values, which cannot be achieved by artificial means alone.
For Lonergan and Doran, authentic consciousness involves a genuine self-appropriation that integrates empirical, intellectual, rational, and existential dimensions. Kurzweils model fails to account for this integrated and holistic nature of consciousness, leading to a fragmented and incomplete understanding of what it means to be human.
The Catholic tradition, to which both Lonergan and Doran are fundamental, holds that human beings are imago Deicreated in the image of God, with a unique spiritual dimension that transcends material existence. Kurzweils vision is fundamentally materialistic, lacking this essential spiritual perspective, reducing human beings to their physical and cognitive functions without acknowledging their inherent dignity and divine purpose.
It is (at least) for these reasons that psychic conversion is crucial for understanding the full depth of human consciousness. Healing and integrating the psyche with higher levels of intentional consciousness enable individuals to achieve true self-transcendence. This process is not merely a psychological adjustment but an integral spiritual transformation that aligns the individual with the Divine Will and Purpose. Doran argues that without psychic conversion, individuals risk falling into inauthenticity and existential fragmentation. Kurzweils vision, which neglects the need for such an integral transformation, ultimately fails to address the deeper needs of the human soul. In contrast, psychic conversion offers a path toward genuine fulfillment and holistic well-being, grounded in a relationship with God and the vital commitment to moral and spiritual growth
Fundamentally, Ray Kurzweils vision of the singularity presents a technologically optimistic future but falls short of understanding the true nature of human consciousness. By neglecting the spiritual and moral dimensions integral to human existence, Kurzweils model offers a reductionist and incomplete perspective. By appropriating the more nuanced and integral perspectives of Bernard Lonergans theory of intentional consciousness and Robert Dorans concept of psychic conversion, it becomes clear that true consciousness involves a holistic integration of empirical, intellectual, rational, and existential dimensions oriented toward self-transcendence and divine purpose.
In the face of technological advancements, it is essential to uphold human dignity and spiritual essence, recognizing that no artificial intelligence can replicate the mystery of the human soul. By embracing the fullness of intentional consciousness and undergoing psychic conversion, individuals can achieve genuine self-transcendence, living out their divine calling with authenticity and grace. So, no, Kurzweil is not right (again).
Go here to see the original:
A Scientist Says Humans Are Rapidly Approaching Singularityand Plausible Immortality – AOL
Nanorobots to Take Over Human FunctionBlackJack3D - Getty Images
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
Futurist Raymond Kurzweil has a new book coming that spells out why he believes that nanorobots are the key to helping humans live significantly longer.
Kurzweil believes that the pursuit of human longevity centers on ensuring that our cells dont pile up damage as they reproduce.
The MIT-educated futurist, known for pioneering computer-based learning technologies, believes that pairing artificial intelligence with biotechnology can lead to aging solutions that transcend what we can even comprehend.
For over five decades, futurist Raymond Kurzweil has shown a propensity for understanding how computers can change our world. Now hes ready to anoint nanorobots as the key to allowing humans to transcend lifes ~120-year threshold.
As he wroteboth in the upcoming The Singularity is Nearer book (set for release on June 25) and in an essay published in Wiredthe merging of biotechnology with artificial intelligence will lead to nanotechnology helping overcome the limitations of our biological organs altogether.
As our bodies accumulate errors when cells reproduce over and over, it invites damage. That damage can get repaired quickly by young bodies, but less so when age piles up.
The only solution, longevity researchers argue, is to cure aging itself, Kurzweil wrote. In short, we need the ability to repair damage from aging at the level of individual cells and local tissues. There are a number of possibilities being explored for how to achieve this, but I believe the most promising ultimate solution is nanorobots.
To put this in context, however, this is one mans vision of the future. There is currently no technology even approaching what Kurzweil is predicting, nor is there any guarantee his vision will come to pass. But, there is also no guarantee that it wonteventually, anyway.
Kurzweil said he agrees with biomedical gerontologist Aubrey de Greys belief that the first person to live to 1,000 years has likely already been born. If the nanotechnology of 2050 solves enough issues of aging for 100-year-olds to start living to 150, well then have until 2100 to solve whatever new problems may crop up at that age, Kurzweil said. With AI playing a key role in research by then, progress during that time will be exponential.
Kurzweil admits all these projections may sound absurd right now, but he believes that there are solid reasons to bear this out through medical nanorobots. He believes that diamondoid nanorobots with onboard sensors, manipulators, computers, communicators, and even power supplies could work in the human bloodstream at the size of a cell. Each body may require several hundred billion nanobots to repair and augment degrading organs.
By monitoring the supply of these vital substances, adjusting their levels as needed, and maintain organ structures, nanobots can keep a persons body in good health indefinitely, he wrote. Ultimately, nanobots will be able to replace biological organs altogether, if needed or desired.
Not only does he envision the nanobots preserving normal functions and limiting the impact of aging, but he thinks they could create a more optimal human body.
Once nanobots can selectively repair or destroy individual cells, he said, we will fully master our biology, and medicine will become the exact science it has long aspired to be.
But living longer isnt all that Kurzweil believes will happen thanks to technology. As the field of nanotech grows, the role of nanobots in human bodies will only mature with it, he claims. At some point, the body may become more than 99.9 percent nonbiological. He envisions a situation wherein technology is gaining complete control of DNA sequencing, AIs ability to understand the human body fixes problems before the arise, nanocomputers control how our body functions by rewriting DNA and controlling cells, and (at some point) our blood and brain tissue get replaced by nanobots that connect us directly to the machines controlling us.
By the 2040s or 2050s, Kurzweil believes that we will have rebuilt our bodies and brains far beyond what we know today. As nanotechnology takes off, we will be able to produce an optimized body at will, he said. Well be able to run much faster and long, swing and breathe under the ocean like fish, and even give ourselves working wings if we want them. We will think millions of times faster, but more importantly, we will not be dependent on the survival of any of our bodies for our selves to survive.
Only time will tell if hes right.
You Might Also Like
More:
A Scientist Says Humans Are Rapidly Approaching Singularityand Plausible Immortality - AOL